Sunshine On My Shoulders

by John Denver

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Lyrics

(Bb)Sun shine

on my (Bb)shoul ders

makes me (Bb)hap py,

(Bb)sun shine

in my (Bb)eyes

(Eb)can make me (Cm7)cry.

(Bb)Sun shine

on the (Bb)wa ter

looks so (Bb)love ly.

(Bb)Sun shine

al most (Bb)al ways

makes me (Bb)high.

(Bb)If I (Cm7)had a (Dm)day

that I could (Bb)give you,

I’d (Bb)give to you

a (Dm)day

(Eb)just like to (Cm7)day.

(Bb)If I had

a (Dm)song

that I could (Bb)sing for you,

I’d (Bb)sing a song

to (Dm)make you (Eb)feel this (Bb)way.

(Bb)Sun shine

on my (Bb)shoul ders

makes me (Bb)hap py,

(Bb)sun shine

in my (Bb)eyes

(Eb)can make me (Cm7)cry.

(Bb)Sun shine

on the (Bb)wa ter

looks so (Bb)love ly.

(Bb)Sun shine

al most (Bb)al ways

makes me (Bb)high.

(Bb)If I (Cm7)had a (Dm)tale

that I could (Bb)tell you,

I’d (Bb)tell a tale

a (Dm)sure

(Eb)to make you (Cm7)smile.

(Bb)If I had

a (Dm)wish

that I could (Bb)wish for you,

I’d (Bb)make a wish

for (Dm)sun shine (Eb)all the (Bb)while.

(Bb)Sun shine

al most (Bb)all the time

(Eb)makes me (Bb)high,

(Bb)sun shine

al most (Bb)al ways...

Sunshine On My Shoulders by John Denver — Easy Piano for Kids

This page shows “Sunshine On My Shoulders by John Denver in our color-coded kid songbook view — every note is colored by pitch (red C, orange D, yellow E, green F, blue G, purple A, pink B) and the lyrics sit directly under each note, so children can sing along while they play. The song is in the key of Eb at 88 BPM, a comfortable easy-level arrangement perfect for first-time learners.

Tips for parents & teachers

  • Start at 50% tempo using the BPM control. Speed up only when your child can play through without stopping.
  • Turn on the metronome from the top bar to build steady rhythm.
  • Use the segmented OFF / C / 1 button to toggle note labels on the staff and keys — kids learn note names faster with letters showing.
  • Tap a measure number on the timeline to jump to a specific section for repeat practice.

Frequently asked questions

Is "Sunshine On My Shoulders" good for a child learning piano?
Yes — this color-coded arrangement is designed for ages 4-12. Each note is colored by pitch so kids match colors to keys, no music reading required. Lyrics sit under every note for sing-along play.
What age can start with "Sunshine On My Shoulders"?
Children as young as 4 can follow the color-coded notes. By age 6-7 most kids can play through the song themselves with light guidance. Parent help is recommended for the first few sessions.
Do we need a piano teacher to use this?
No — the color-coded format is designed to be self-explanatory. Parents with no music background can supervise. Teachers can also use it as an introductory lesson tool.
Can we print the sheet music?
Yes — tap "Download Sheet Music" above for a free printable PDF with the same color-coded notes that appear on screen.
How many chords does "Sunshine On My Shoulders" use?
Just 5 chords: Bb, Cm7, Dm, Eb, F7. Take it one section at a time.
What other John Denver songs work for kids?
Try "Rocky Mountain High", "Thank God I'm a Country Boy", "Follow Me". All play with color-coded notes; pick a familiar tune to keep kids engaged.